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Rockies pitching lineup still in question

By Troy E. Renck The Denver Post

Posted:
03/16/2013 11:01:29 PM MDT

Updated:
03/16/2013 11:01:54 PM MDT

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Green caps. Red faces. Blueprints.

Spring training has reached the St. Patrick's Day juncture, which signals the unofficial stretch run for roster spots. The Rockies are desperate to redeem themselves from last year's 98-loss embarrassment. They mapped out a strategy in an Opryland Resort suite in December at baseball's winter meetings, calling for a Blake Street Bullies offense, a barbed-wire bullpen and a steady diet of groundballs from the rotation.

The team's starting pitching remains shrouded in questions, given the health, performance and lack of experience in the group. The Rockies will continue monitoring the trade market and waiver wire, but four of the five slots are nearly locks. (Is there time for Christian Friedrich to sneak his way onto the club?)

In a quiet spring training, where Troy Tulowitzki's health qualifies as daily news, not every job is certain. The most captivating story line over the final two weeks will be at third base: Will the kid, Nolan Arenado, force his way into the lineup? Or will the Rockies stay with Chris Nelson?

There are 12 days left in Arizona before the Rockies leave for Salt Lake City for an exhibition game en route to the curtain-pull in Milwaukee on April 1. The roster prediction and breakdown starts with the most talked-about competition.

Starting lineup

Arenado entered the weekend hitting .308 with a team-best four home runs and 10 RBIs.

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No longer feasting on fastballs, he has struggled against more established big-league starters who are beginning to use pitch sequences more similar to a regular-season game.

Holding his own won't be enough during the final sprint. The Rockies want Arenado to win the job outright since his inclusion on the roster likely means Nelson will be traded. Arenado's defense can't be ignored. He's rangy with a good arm and is making all the routine plays.

There's concern if Arenado is mature enough to handle a promotion after his effort was questioned last year during an uneven Double-A season. The Rockies want to avoid the scenario of Arenado breaking camp, then getting sent down because of an April slump. If he can't handle a demotion, that says more about him than the process. The bottom line is, if he's the best player, shouldn't he be on the roster?

Rotation

Back from the World Baseball Classic, Jhoulys Chacin remains on track to start opening day. He has been good. So has Jeff Francis, who is likely to start the home opener. Even with those two, the rotation's lack of predictability is chilling.

The Rockies can't say with any conviction who's going to log innings with any regularity.

Jorge De La Rosa could improve the outlook if he returns to form. He has taken steps forward in his last two starts, especially with his changeup and curveball. Juan Nicasio needs another pitch besides his fastball or he's not a starter; it's that simple.

Drew Pomeranz has increased his velocity, adapting to changes in his delivery to lengthen it. Can he hold off Friedrich, who could make his debut Monday after being slowed by a back injury?

There's a possibility the Rockies won't need their fifth starter until April 10 or 12 because of an off day, providing a longer window for Friedrich to get ready and allowing them to break camp with four starters.

Bullpen

There's Four Men and a few maybes. Rafael Betancourt is the closer and is flanked by setup men Wilton Lopez, Matt Belisle and Rex Brothers. There will be three long relievers, and likely an eighth relief arm at Coors Field. Going with four starters to begin the season would free the Rockies to add a swingman such as Chris Volstad. As the artists formerly known as piggybackers, Adam Ottavino and Josh Outman provide power and versatility.

That leaves one spot open, potentially two. Manny Corpas (pitching well this spring), Edgmer Escalona (who's out of options and has performed this spring) and Volstad or Tyler Chatwood are the contenders. Escalona is unlikely to clear waivers, which could factor into the decision.

Bench

Versatility is a wonderful trait for a National League bench with a new manager. Colvin, Young and Jordan Pacheco give Walt Weiss plenty of options.

Even Helton could be a nice card to play at the end of games, as a pinch hitter or as a defensive replacement, though the latter could be difficult based on his past back issues.

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